A Systems Thinking Approach to Construction Project Management

Construction projects plays an important role in nation’s development. The complexity and dynamic environment of the construction industry characterized it frequent cost, time overruns, low quality, etc. for construction project management. This study therefore uses a systems thinking approach to identify the key variables that are affecting this trend. Casual loop and Systems Archetypes were used to develop systems models to determine the components and interactions between the policy and the social, environmental and economic dimensions of the industry. As demonstrated in the aforementioned CLD and archetypes, construction projects will remain to be the engine that develops and empowers the emerging and existing commercial business, housing sectors and nation building across Africa. This systems thinking approach will also provide more clarity in dealing with the complex management challenges and gradually replace the traditional theoretical approach of dealing with construction project management.